Photosensitivity and light therapy

[eija]

The docs recommended light therapy for me. I'm just wondering that since a dull grey winter day in Finland hurts as if someone was ripping the eyes off of my head, how can I stand the extra bright lamp?


Anyone with photosensitivity have tried it? I remember reading here that someone got a rash or something because of new office lights - how then a strong lamp like the therapy lamps are? Even if  skin wasn't a problem, don't they give you a nasty migraine?


I'm also wondering if the "sunrise lamps" would help me get up earlier and that way move my rythm towards a healthier one? Now I'm up until 3-4 am and then sleep 'til noon or later... They prescribed me melatonin but I'm reluctant to take it because I read that it causes body temperature to drop (I'm freezing all the time already), bloodpressure too (mine is low as it is) and might trigger headaches (I have enough of those too) and what else.

[prunella]

I also have intermittent photophobia, always wear sunglasses, even on gray days. 
I have not had problems with the small light box that I use in the AM.

BTW, could I PM you with questions about Finland in August?  I will be in Russia and may want to extend my trip.
Thanks.

[Nancy60]

It's important to remember that we are all different and just because one person has a certain reaction to a treatment doesn't mean that you will experience the same treatment.  Are you photosensitive in regular sunlight?  If so, you might need be be careful with the lights, are there some you can try before you go to the expense of purchasing them, that might be the best option if it is available.  Also ask about using sunglasses, it seem I read that the light therapies work on receptors in the eye as well, and the sunglasses may counter this effect. 

Good Luck,
Nancy

[Karen13]

I am very photophobic and tried a lightbox for a while (until it broke) and learned it is to shine down on you at an angle so it's like afternoon light shining across and down on your eyes as you look forward. It is to do with where in the eye the light hits.

I would put it on the table in front of me and read something close to me on the table so that the angle was like it was shining from above. It was really bright and anoying at first but then after a few seconds not too bad as long as I kept other lights on too.

I also got the blue LED box that is not hot and has less UV rays and I had no trouble with rash even though I get a rash and flares from sunlight. If it's a problem you could always try sunscreen too

I would try again, but just can't be bothered to go out and get another one!

[eija]

Thanks for the responses.

It's getting lighter all the time now so maybe I'll wait at least until autumn before possibly trying the lamps. Especially with the way my bank balance is looking like at the moment 

I can't manage real sunlight much at all. I get nauseated, develop a migraine and it also causes me a nasty, itchy rash. Lately all sorts of lights have started bothering my eyes - sometimes even the street lights are too much That's why I'm so hesitant with light therapy.

[size=78%]BTW, could I PM you with questions about Finland in August?  I will be in Russia and may want to extend my trip.[/size]
Thanks.

Prunella, of course you can